The pitch was frozen down one side, but referee Joe Ross gave the game the go-ahead after a lengthy inspection.

Darlington named an unchanged side as they went in search of their third consecutive away win, though there was a change on the bench with fit-again Keltie replacing injured Pearson.

Darlington were pegged back in the early stages, but despite a few meaty tackles the referee let the game flow.

When Darlington got forward, Wainwright found Teggart and only a well-timed challenge from Flitcroft prevented the Darlington man getting a shot in from 12 yards.

However Challinor tested the visitors' defence with more throws into the heart of the penalty area, Price coming out well to claim one.

On 18 minutes CONLON put Darlington ahead with his tenth goal of the season.

Maddison and Liddle combined to send Convery down the right and his low cross was turned in from close range by Conlon in what was Darlington's first dangerous looking attack.

Two minutes later Dunfield almost equalised when he found space in the Darlington penalty area but fired over the bar from ten yards.

But Darlington were looking increasingly dangerous and Wainwright was crowded out on the edge of the penalty area before Clark sent a long-range volley wide.

Around the half-hour mark Bury built up a head of steam and Darlington were again having to defend in numbers.

But Bury were finding it difficult to break Darlington down and were tending to over-hit the ball.

Darlington were relieved when a clearance from Price struck Porter but bounced out for a goal kick.

When Bury won a free-kick on the halfway line, Darlington were content to bring all 11 men back into defence.

On 36 minutes, however, Bury survived a major scare when Hughes burst clear and appeared to be pulled down just outside the penalty area by Kennedy, but after looking long and hard at the linesman, the referee waved play on.

It was a rare Darlington attack and as half-time approached the visitors had still managed only one shot on target, though it was all important.

Half-time: Bury 0, Darlington 1

On 48 minutes, only a fine save by Garner kept out a Liddle effort, the keeper diving full length to his right to turn the defender's 12-yard shot round the post.

Then from Convery's cross Conlon headed on and Hughes, diving in, just failed to connect with the ball in front of an open goal.

Bury had the jitters now and when Garner sent an attempted clearance against Convery, the ball rebounded for a goal-kick.

When Maddison sent Convery scampering down the right, his first time cross was just too long for Teggart, who was coming in at the far post.

Bury manager Graham Barrow had seen enough of his side's struggle and brought on striker Nugent for experienced midfielder Flitcroft.

Almost immediately Clarke had to head clear as the substitute closed in.

But before Darlington could re-group, the ball fell for BARRASS to lash home the equaliser from close range on 57 minutes.

Suddenly Darlington were looking in trouble and Barrass saw a long-range shot saved by Price.

The visitors then brought on Russell for Wainwright, the sub slotting into midfield.

Bury responded on 67 minutes by bringing on Clegg for Seddon.

On 75 minutes Liddle tried his luck from 25 yards, his dipping volley being well saved by Garner.

With five minutes remaining, Conlon scrambled the ball into the net, but his effort was controversially ruled out for a foul given by the linesman, though the referee initially awarded a goal.